State Senate District 1
There are four candidates running for the Republican nomination for State Senate District 1: Katie Baney (website), Barb Bittner (website), Nic Cravillion (website), and Jacob VandenPlas (website). These are their responses to our questionnaire.
Part 1 - Written Response
(1) What would be the first bill you would introduce if elected?
Baney - Parents Bill of Rights.
Bittner - My first bill would be to reintroduce the bipartisan tax relief package that already demonstrated Republicans and Democrats can find common ground. The package made permanent property tax relief a reality, eliminated the state income tax on tips and overtime so working Wisconsinites keep more of what they earn, returned surplus dollars to taxpayers through direct rebates and continued investing in special education so local school districts aren't forced to rely so heavily on property tax increases.
Cravillion - Election integrity will be a priority. Just weeks ago, Brown County again sent duplicate ballots to voters, and days later members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission attempted to change election procedures while voting was already underway. Those incidents reinforce the need for structural reform. My first bill would be to eliminate the Wisconsin Elections Commission and transfer its responsibilities to the Secretary of State, an office directly accountable to Wisconsin voters. I also plan to champion additional conservative reforms previously supported by Senator Jacque.
VandenPlas - My first priorities would be restoring confidence in our elections and strengthening Wisconsin's economy. I would introduce the Wisconsin Jobs and Workforce Freedom Act to expand apprenticeships and technical education, remove unnecessary barriers to the skilled trades, and encourage businesses to create family-supporting jobs here in Wisconsin. The bill would prioritize veterans transitioning to civilian careers, strengthen partnerships between employers and our technical colleges, and reduce red tape for small manufacturers, family farms, and local businesses. Alongside that effort, I would work to strengthen election integrity by ensuring every legal vote is counted, elections are secure, and Wisconsin voters can have confidence in every outcome.
(2) What state programs would you seek to reform, reduce, or eliminate?
Baney - All of them. The reality is the WI budget has grown much faster than families' paychecks. We should start by auditing all the administrative overhead and unelected bureaucratic agencies in Madison. Every dollar Madison spends is a dollar taken from NE WI families. My focus is returning surpluses to taxpayers, not growing bureaucracy and demanding that any program justify its cost with results, not just good intentions. We should approach the budget with zero-based budgeting rather than simply increasing funding for every program each year.
Bittner - As a business owner for more than 20 years, I've believed every dollar should produce results, and government should be held to the same standard. I would review state programs to eliminate duplication, reduce bureaucracy, cut outdated regulations, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively. My priorities include improving government efficiency, reducing burdens on small businesses and family farms, eliminating fraud and abuse, ensuring fair reimbursement for quality Medicaid providers, and requiring agencies to demonstrate measurable results. Government should be efficient, accountable, and a responsible steward of every taxpayer dollar.
Cravillion - Wisconsin taxpayers deserve a government that spends their hard-earned dollars wisely. I would support regular audits of state agencies and programs to identify waste, inefficiency, and opportunities for reform. Education funding should prioritize students and classrooms over administrative growth. I support reviewing programs like SNAP to ensure strong oversight and accountability for taxpayer dollars. I would eliminate unnecessary DEI programs and reduce burdensome bureaucracy across state government. At the DNR, I believe taxpayer resources should focus on conservation, outdoor recreation, and responsible stewardship instead of expanding state land acquisitions.
VandenPlas - I don't believe taxpayers care whether a program is labeled conservative or liberal—they care whether it works. Every dollar the state spends belongs to the people who earned it, so government must be accountable. I would conduct a top-to-bottom review of state programs to eliminate duplication, reduce administrative waste, and improve efficiency. The savings should be returned to taxpayers. I would work to end Wisconsin's 400-year property tax increase by cutting waste, not essential services, and delivering lasting tax relief for homeowners, farmers, and small businesses. Finally, I'd require regular sunset reviews so every program must prove its value before receiving continued funding.
(3) What reforms do you believe are necessary to strengthen confidence in Wisconsin elections?
Baney - Voters across WI want to ensure their votes cast count, that only legitimately eligible individuals are voting and that our election system is beyond reproach. I support auditable paper ballots as a record of truth, hand counts, post election audits and cleaning up the voter rolls to ensure only legal current residents are voting.
Bittner - Restoring confidence in Wisconsin's elections requires transparency, accountability, and consistency. I support eliminating the Wisconsin Elections Commission and returning election oversight to the Secretary of State. I favor paper ballots, local hand counts, secure chain-of-custody procedures, regular voter roll audits, photo ID, proof of citizenship for voter registration, meaningful post-election audits, and uniform election laws statewide. Absentee voting should return to its original purpose, early voting should be shortened, and the Legislature should evaluate whether same-day registration continues to best serve voters while supporting election integrity and reducing burdens on poll workers.
Cravillion - Restoring confidence in our elections requires greater accountability, transparency, and consistent enforcement of election laws. I support replacing the Wisconsin Elections Commission with an election authority directly accountable to voters through the Secretary of State. Election laws should be applied uniformly across Wisconsin, including clear standards for ballot curing. I support prohibiting ballot harvesting, maintaining accurate voter rolls through regular audits, and requiring secure, continuously monitored ballot drop boxes if they are permitted. Finally, election procedures should be established by the Legislature, and not changed by unelected officials while voting is already underway.
VandenPlas - Confidence in our elections depends on transparency, accountability, and consistent enforcement of the law. I support requiring photo identification, maintaining accurate voter rolls, strengthening chain-of-custody procedures for ballots, and ensuring election laws are applied uniformly across every county. We should provide election officials with the training and resources they need while increasing transparency through bipartisan observation and timely post-election audits. Every eligible citizen should be able to vote, every legal vote should be counted, and every illegal vote should not. The goal is simple: ensure Wisconsin elections are secure, transparent, and trusted by all who participate.
(4) What policies would you pursue to protect farmland and encourage agricultural growth?
Baney - Agriculture is the economic and cultural backbone of much of NE WI. I would protect working farmland from overreaching DNR regulations and burdensome zoning, keep property taxes low and predictable so multi-generational farms aren't forced to sell, and defend farmers' right to operate without Madison interference.
Bittner - Agriculture is the backbone of Wisconsin's economy. As someone raised on a dairy farm who now operates a cash crop farm, I understand farmers' challenges firsthand. I support protecting productive farmland while respecting private property rights and giving local communities a voice in major land-use decisions. We must help beginning farmers and neighboring family farms access land through tax incentives and other market-based solutions, support farm succession planning, reduce unnecessary regulations, expand markets, invest in rural infrastructure, and strengthen value-added agriculture. Farmers don't want handouts—they want the opportunity to succeed.
Cravillion - Growing up on my family's dairy farm in New Franken, I understand the challenges facing Wisconsin agriculture and am proud to be endorsed by the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association. I will work to reduce unnecessary regulations on family farmers, invest in rural roads and infrastructure, strengthen workforce development, and protect productive farmland for future generations while respecting private property rights. I also support legislation, previously vetoed by Governor Evers, to prohibit foreign adversaries such as China from purchasing Wisconsin farmland and other critical agricultural assets.
VandenPlas - Wisconsin's family farms are the backbone of our economy and our heritage. To protect farmland and encourage agricultural growth, we must reduce unnecessary regulations, expand access to markets, and ensure farmers can remain profitable for generations to come. I support protecting farmland from unnecessary development while respecting private property rights and local decision-making. We should invest in agricultural innovation, strengthen partnerships with our technical colleges and universities, expand rural broadband, and improve infrastructure that helps farmers compete. Most importantly, we must reduce the tax and regulatory burdens that make it harder for family farms to survive and pass their operations on to the next generation.
(5) What experiences have best prepared you to serve in the Wisconsin legislature?
Baney - My work in the firearm industry defending our 2nd Amendment rights for the past five years has uniquely prepared me to serve as your state senator. We must expect and demand our elected leaders to fight for our best interests, stand up to mainstream media and be willing to be disliked. I've lived this firsthand—from arguing with the New York Times about "assault" weapons bans to working with the Trump administration to challenge state laws that violate our constitutional rights.
Bittner - My life has prepared me to serve in the Wisconsin State Senate. Raised on a dairy farm, I learned the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and perseverance. For more than 20 years, I built and operated a successful senior care business, managing budgets, meeting payroll, navigating regulations, and solving complex challenges. I've also trained healthcare administrators across Wisconsin and served my community through grassroots leadership. My experience comes from the real world, not politics. It has taught me to listen, make difficult decisions, solve problems, and remain accountable—qualities I'll bring to serving the people of Northeast Wisconsin.
Cravillion - For nearly six years, I have served as Senator André Jacque's District Director, helping families, businesses, and local governments navigate state agencies and solve real problems. That experience has prepared me to serve effectively on Day One. I have also served in the Army for the past 15 years, where I learned the values of leadership, discipline, and service. As a lifelong Northeast Wisconsin resident, small business owner, and father raising my family here, I understand our communities' challenges and will fight for the conservative values and priorities of the people I represent.
VandenPlas - My career has been about solving problems, building partnerships, and delivering results. I've led organizations, managed budgets, improved operations, and worked with diverse groups to achieve common goals. Those experiences have taught me how to listen, make tough decisions, and be accountable for outcomes. I understand the challenges facing working families, small businesses, nonprofits, and local communities because I've worked alongside them. I'm not running to be a career politician—I'm running to be a public servant who brings practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense solutions to Madison. I believe Wisconsin deserves leaders who put results ahead of politics.
(6) Why are you the best candidate for State Senate District 1?
Baney - I’m a proven conservative with over 15 years of experience fighting for our constitutional rights, personally and professionally, not just at election time. That’s why I’m the only candidate endorsed by the NRA and Turning Point Action. I’m also the only candidate with experience at the federal and state levels and in private business. That means I can get to work day one, understanding the entire legislative process and how it impacts businesses and families. My faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and my role as a mom define every decision I make. That’s why I’m the only candidate endorsed by Wisconsin Family Action. I’m accountable to God first, then my family, then the people of Northeast Wisconsin. I’ll work every day to fight for you and your best interests, because this is my home, and together we have to save Wisconsin.
Bittner - I believe I'm the best candidate because I bring real-world experience and a proven record of solving problems. I've spent my career making difficult decisions, balancing budgets, and being accountable for the results. I'm not running to become a career politician—I'm running to be a public servant. My priorities are simple: make Wisconsin more affordable, protect our constitutional freedoms, support farmers and small businesses, strengthen election integrity, defend parents' rights, and ensure government lives within its means. I'll listen, work with others, and deliver practical, common-sense solutions for the people of Wisconsin's 1st Senate District.
Cravillion - State Senate District 1 deserves a senator who understands our communities, shares our conservative values, and is prepared to lead on Day One. After serving for nearly six years as Senator André Jacque's District Director, I have the experience to deliver results immediately. As a veteran, small business owner, father, and lifelong Northeast Wisconsin resident, I understand the challenges facing our families, farmers, and employers. I am committed to building on Senator Jacque's strong conservative legacy while providing principled, effective leadership that will fight for the people of Northeast Wisconsin every day.
VandenPlas - I believe I'm the best candidate for State Senate District 1 because I've spent my career solving problems, building consensus, and delivering results—not making promises from the sidelines. I bring executive leadership experience, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to accountable government. I've accepted zero PAC money because I believe public service should answer to the people—not special interests. I can't be bought, and my decisions will always be guided by what's best for the families, farmers, veterans, small businesses, and communities of District 1. I'll listen before I lead, put our district ahead of politics, and serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Part 2 - Multiple Choice
(7) Which best reflects your approach to state spending?
(A) Reduce spending wherever possible
(B) Maintain current spending levels
(C) Increase spending in priority areas while reducing it elsewhere
Baney: (A)
Bittner: (A)
Cravillion: (A)
VandenPlas: (A)
(8) How should Wisconsin address future budget surpluses?
(A) Return most of the surplus to taxpayers
(B) Invest most of the surplus in state priorities
(C) Split the surplus between tax relief and investments
Baney: (A)
Bittner: (A)
Cravillion: (A) & (B) - Combination. Budget surpluses belong to the taxpayers, and most of the surplus should be returned because it's our money, not the government's. Too often, when the state returns surplus dollars, those same dollars end up being replaced later through higher taxes or transfers from the general fund when long-term needs weren't properly addressed. That's why we need to make strategic investments in critical infrastructure and other long-term priorities that reduce future costs. A responsible budget should balance returning surplus money to taxpayers while ensuring we don't kick the can down the road and end up asking taxpayers to pay even more later.
VandenPlas: (A)
(9) Which best describes your philosophy of government?
(A) Government should be smaller and more limited
(B) Government should focus on essential services while addressing key public needs
(C) Government should play an active role in solving major societal problems
Baney: (A)
Bittner: (A)
Cravillion: (A)
VandenPlas: (A)
(10) If party leadership disagrees with your district’s interests, you would most likely
(A) Vote with your district
(B) Vote with party leadership
(C) Decide on a case-by-case basis
Baney: (A)
Bittner: (A)
Cravillion: (A) - It's better to be loved in your district and hated in Madison, than it is to be loved in Madison and hated in your district.
VandenPlas: (A)
(11) State agencies often issue regulations that burden businesses without clear legislative approval. How should the legislature respond?
(A) Require explicit legislative approval for any new regulation impacting property rights or business operations
(B) Trust agency experts to create necessary rules, intervening only in cases of clear abuse
(C) Cut agency budgets and eliminate their rule-making power entirely
Baney: (A)
Bittner: (A)
Cravillion: (A)
VandenPlas: (A)
(12) What is your stance on the Second Amendment?
(A) Absolute protection; oppose all registration, taxes, or restrictions
(B) Support current laws but oppose any new restrictions
(C) Support reasonable regulations to ensure public safety
Baney: (A)
Bittner: (A)
Cravillion: (A)
VandenPlas: (A)
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